Diseases & Conditions

Overview of Asthma&Allergies

What is asthma?

Become swollen or irritated (called inflammation) specifically in the airway linings

Produce large amounts of mucus that is thicker than normal

Narrow because the muscles around the airways tighten

The symptoms of asthma are:

Feeling short of breath

Frequent coughing, especially at night

Wheezing (a whistling noise during breathing)

Chest tightness - feels like something is pressing or squeezing the chest

Asthma is very common; it affects about 22 million Americans which include about 6 million children under the age of 18. It is the most common chronic condition of childhood. Uncontrolled asthma can lead to missed work and school days, interrupted sleep patterns and, ultimately, poor work and school performance.

What causes asthma?

The cause of asthma is uncertain. Among those at higher risk for asthma are those who:

What are allergies?

Allergies are when the body reacts to something that does not affect most people. . Substances that cause allergies are called "allergens" and include things like pollens, molds, animal dander, and dust mites. Some people are also allergic to medications, foods and latex (rubber) products. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes and nose, coughing, and sometimes a rash or hives. Allergy can be a trigger for people with asthma and can cause shortness of breath, cough and wheezing.

What has been the effect of asthma and allergies on society?

Approximately 23.3 million Americans have asthma, including 7 million children. About 70% of people with asthma also have allergies.

13 million school days and 10.1 million work days are missed annually due to asthma

Approximately 3400 deaths occurred in 2005 from asthma

Total costs for treatment of asthma in the US are $20.7 billion annually [direct costs total $15.6 billion, and indirect costs (e.g., lost productivity) total an additional $5.1 billion]

Allergies affect 40 to 50 million Americans

Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in Americans

Approximately 60 million Americans have hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)

Total costs of allergies almost doubled from 2000 to 2005 ($6.1 billion to $11.2 billion)

Skin allergies (e.g., dermatitis) occur in 10 to 20% of American children and 1% to 3% of adults

40 deaths per year occur as a result of anaphylaxis due to insect stings

Food allergy affects 3 to 4% of adults and 6% of young children

What can be done?

The goal of treating asthma and allergies is to control the disease. Your doctor or practitioner will work with you to:

Identify triggers and teach you how to avoid them or manage them in your environment.

Find the best medication plan to control your symptoms without causing side effects.

Develop a disease action plan that is just for you which includes information on when to take medications, what to do if medications are not working and information on who to call and how to contact them when you have questions.

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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 4/14/2011...#6699